When it comes to learning how to adapt behavior, a “behavior modification plan example” is the only way to go! But before we look at an example, let’s go over the fundamental basics of how to successfully modify behavior in children.
Why Do Kids Misbehave?
It is important to know that children behave in certain ways (even in annoying
ways) because it serves them. But how does misbehavior serve a child? Great
question.
Misbehavior can either:
- Provide children with attention (negative attention is better than none at
all), or
- Get children what they want.
How Do We Change The Way Our Children Behave?
Change needs to start with you. Why? Because you are the only person you can
truly change. Fortunately, we can inspire children to change by modifying our
reaction to their misbehavior. The key is to dissolve the pay-off they are
currently receiving for their misbehavior and to increase the pay-offs they
receive for positive behavior.
To modify behavior, you need to have a plan that includes:
1. Finding your child’s “buy in” (the reason they would want to change),
2. Disciplining with joy, and
3. Following through consistently.
Now let’s go over a behavior modification plan example.
Sample Behavior Modification Plan
Misbehavior to Solve:
Grant dawdles in the morning and makes his older
brother Graham late for school.
Plan of Action:
To leave at 8:00AM sharp and not wait for Grant if he's late.
Applying the Plan Direct From My Journal:
Yesterday morning, 7:52 a.m. came and they were both rushing around … 7:55
Graham is getting his coat on. 7:58 Graham is out the door waiting and no Grant.
I had made myself a promise to follow through.
When my watch turned 8 a.m. I took a big gulp and left with Graham as Grant
screamed from the front door: “GET BACK HERE! I’M READY TO GO! COME BACK NOW!!!”
Graham was delighted with his special time with me. But I was freaking out. Even
though Grant was of the age to be left alone, all I could think about was what I
would say to the cops if Grant called them like he had threatened. I saw the
headlines: "CAREGIVER NEGLECTS BLIND CHILD, SENTENCED TO 6 MONTHS IN PRISON".
Relieved, I returned to the house without a police car in sight. I opened the
door to find Grant sitting in a heap no more ready than he was at 8a.m. I told
him, “When you are ready to leave, let me know and I will be happy to take you.”
That’s when the debate started: “You didn’t help me find my homework! My watch
said 7:55 a.m.” I wanted to lash back, but I didn’t. Instead I pulled out
something more powerful—the vacuum. And vacuum I did, with a couple of, “Sorry
Grant can’t hear you! When you’re ready to go, let me know.” It wasn’t until
10:45 a.m. that he was ready. His motivation? He realized he was missing recess!
We did have a good time walking to school. But the best part … today he was on
time!
Consistent change in your reaction to their behavior can inspire great change in
your children — it’s just a simple matter of being firm and following through.
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